Overview
When conducting a study on the health of a watershed, the ecology of the environment must be a considered variable. The parameters observed for this study include a tree risk assessment as well as an observation of the the visual and biological factors. While conducting a survey of Marsh Creek site 3, we evaluated trees using the USDA Community Tree Evaluation guidelines. These guidelines are used to ascertain the risk of failure and hazard based on defects, the size of defective parts, probability of tree failure, probability of target, as well as various other factors.
Data Collected
While on site, 10 trees were picked that were most representative of the watershed. Upon examination of the trees half were found to have a high to extremely high probability of failure. The most common defect among the trees were poor tree alignment (leaning trees). Despite the high probability, the impact was found to be low due to the location of the trees in comparison to nearby buildings. Some trees along the bank were found to have severe undercutting with exposed roots as indicated in the picture below the chart.
Tree #
Species
DBH
Northing
Easting
Defect Code(s)
Probability of Failure
Size of Defective Part(s)
Probability of Target
Other Risk Factors
Description of Other Risk Factors
1
LITU
204.98
3758563
743680
na
1
1
1
0
2
LITU
218.44
3758563
743680
na
1
1
1
0
3
MAGR
19.8
3758563
743680
PTA, WBU
3
2
1
0
4
MAGR
12.7
3758563
743680
PTA, WBU
4
3
1
0
5
ACRU
148.59
3758563
743680
R
3
3
1
1
Undercutting
6
UNKNOWN
20.32
3758563
743680
PTA:LA, R, RGC
4
3
1
0
Trunk very twisted and crooked.
7
QUAL
144.78
3758563
743680
PTA, WBU
4
2
1
0
8
LIST
111.76
3758563
743680
R
1
1
1
0
Undercutting
9
ILOP
36.83
3758563
743680
PTA:LT
2
1
1
0
10
ACRU
138.43
3758563
743680
RGC
2
3
1
0
in danger of erosion
Visual-Biological Factors
Site 3 is tucked back on the property of historic Glenridge Hall. Due to it's remote location, and the abundance of trees, the site is a prime location for local wildlife. During our observations, we enountered salamanders, and crawfish. We also found animal footprints belonging to a deer and another small animal (possibly racoon or oppossum). As the water level was relatively low, fish were not found. Another consequence of the site's location is the lack of liter found. The watershed was relatively clean. The only debris found came from nature and was in the form of leaves and twigs from fallen trees.
Overview
When conducting a study on the health of a watershed, the ecology of the environment must be a considered variable. The parameters observed for this study include a tree risk assessment as well as an observation of the the visual and biological factors. While conducting a survey of Marsh Creek site 3, we evaluated trees using the USDA Community Tree Evaluation guidelines. These guidelines are used to ascertain the risk of failure and hazard based on defects, the size of defective parts, probability of tree failure, probability of target, as well as various other factors.
Data Collected
While on site, 10 trees were picked that were most representative of the watershed. Upon examination of the trees half were found to have a high to extremely high probability of failure. The most common defect among the trees were poor tree alignment (leaning trees). Despite the high probability, the impact was found to be low due to the location of the trees in comparison to nearby buildings. Some trees along the bank were found to have severe undercutting with exposed roots as indicated in the picture below the chart.
Visual-Biological Factors
Site 3 is tucked back on the property of historic Glenridge Hall. Due to it's remote location, and the abundance of trees, the site is a prime location for local wildlife. During our observations, we enountered salamanders, and crawfish. We also found animal footprints belonging to a deer and another small animal (possibly racoon or oppossum). As the water level was relatively low, fish were not found. Another consequence of the site's location is the lack of liter found. The watershed was relatively clean. The only debris found came from nature and was in the form of leaves and twigs from fallen trees.
Watershed Level Urban Ecology data can be found here.
USDA Community Tree Evalutation forms can be found here.
Overview Map Stream Water Bacterial Urban Ecology Conclusion Home Page